Lagos defends boarding fee hike, cites student welfare

The Lagos State Government has announced an increase in boarding fees for its model colleges, raising the amount from N35,000 to N100,000 per term starting in the 2024/2025 session.

The decision, according to Ganiu Lawal, Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, was driven by the need to ensure better welfare for students amid rising costs.

Lawal emphasized that the previous fee, set in 2021, is no longer sustainable due to the increased cost of food, energy, and essential services.

The ministry acknowledged concerns from parents but urged them to understand the necessity of the hike to maintain the quality of services, including feeding, janitorial services, and security for students.

“The Ministry is aware of dissenting views by some parents to the inevitable increase in boarding fees in our model colleges. This was not an easy decision, but the welfare of the children is a priority for the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Lagos State Government.

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“Since enrolment of a child into a boarding school is an individual choice for every parent, they are expected to pay boarding fees.

“The boarding fee is paid every term and it is used basically for feeding, janitorial and other miscellaneous costs related to keeping them in the hostels per term,” Lawal said.

 “The model college students enjoy all other privileges of free education vis a vis provision of education infrastructure, free tuition, technology support (free devices).

 “Also provision of adequate security in schools and payment of terminal examination fees; the state government pays WAEC fees for all public school students.

While education remains free in the state’s 32 model colleges, Lawal noted that boarding fees are crucial for maintaining student welfare, and the government remains committed to providing quality education and infrastructure.